Emirates launches A380 service to Manchester

Dubai, September 1, 2010

Emirates, the international airline of the United Arab Emirates, has launched a daily service of its Airbus A380 superjumbo between Dubai and Manchester.

Emirates is now the world's largest operator of the Airbus A380 with 12 in the fleet. A further order for 32 A380s was announced during the Berlin Air Show in June.

“This is a historic moment for Emirates as we bring our 21st century superjumbo to the North West twenty years after our first flight from the region,” said Maurice Flanagan, executive vice chairman Emirates Airline & Group.

“Our Manchester service has been an incredible success story, and we’re delighted to be opening the next chapter today.”

Flanagan added: 'People are realising that this is the passenger aircraft of the future. As a result of our announcement in Berlin, we have had enquiries from more than 20 airports across the world, asking whether Emirates would fly the A380 to their airports.”

“These aircraft are a dream to travel in and a dream to have at your disposal for expansion. They are extremely popular with our passengers and where we deploy them, they fill up almost immediately - running at over 90 per cent load factor.'

Information from Airbus shows that the A380 has now flown to more than 100 airports across the globe, either commercially or for events or test flights.

The start of A380 flights to Manchester from today (September 1) is the first time the world's largest airliner has operated a scheduled service to a regional airport. It is also the first time Emirates has brought its First Class cabin to the route.

Manchester Airport's managing director, Andrew Cornish, said: 'The start of daily A380 services from Manchester to Dubai is a moment in history for our airport and the wider region.”

“It's of such significance that we're expecting thousands of people to visit the airport on September 1st to catch a glimpse of her first flight. We've invested around GBP10 million to upgrade the airport's infrastructure to accommodate the flagship of the Emirates fleet and are very much looking forward to welcoming her for the first time,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service